Veterans Day —which began as Armistice Day in 1918, celebrating... Photo-3714414.52195 - seattlepi.com

Image 2 of 84

A view of a soldier using a Springfield rifle, 1938.

A view of a soldier using a Springfield rifle, 1938.

Photo: William Vandivert, Time & Life Pictures/Getty Image

A view of a soldier using a Springfield rifle, 1938. Photo-5429783.52195 - seattlepi.com

Image 3 of 84

NY National Guardsman Private T. P. Loughlin of 69th New York National Guard Regiment, kissing his little child goodbye as he bids farewell to family before reporting to training camp during WWI, 1917.

NY National Guardsman Private T. P. Loughlin of 69th New York National Guard Regiment, kissing his little child goodbye as he bids farewell to family before reporting to training camp during WWI, 1917.

American soldiers using a Sherman tank for cover as it and they advance on Japanese positions during the fight to take Bougainville, 1944.

American soldiers using a Sherman tank for cover as it and they advance on Japanese positions during the fight to take Bougainville, 1944.

Photo: Time Life Pictures, Time & Life Pictures/Getty Image

American soldiers using a Sherman tank for cover as it and they... Photo-5429803.52195 - seattlepi.com

Image 15 of 84

U.S. troops prepare to land on D-Day.

U.S. troops prepare to land on D-Day.

Photo: AP

U.S. troops prepare to land on D-Day. Photo-3714419.52195 - seattlepi.com

Image 16 of 84

An American soldier sits in a foxhole and grimly smokes a cigarette during a break in World War II combat, Germany, 1944. He holds an M3 submachine gun under his arm.

An American soldier sits in a foxhole and grimly smokes a cigarette during a break in World War II combat, Germany, 1944. He holds an M3 submachine gun under his arm.

Photo: John Florea., Time & Life Pictures/Getty Image

An American soldier sits in a foxhole and grimly smokes a cigarette... Photo-5429808.52195 - seattlepi.com

Image 17 of 84

Major George Spencer Roberts, in training for US Army Air Corps 99th Pursuit Squadron.

Major George Spencer Roberts, in training for US Army Air Corps 99th Pursuit Squadron.

Photo: Gabriel Benzur, Time & Life Pictures/Getty Image

Major George Spencer Roberts, in training for US Army Air Corps... Photo-5429787.52195 - seattlepi.com

Image 18 of 84

Soldiers posing in the fields with ammunition shells with the inscription reading "Happy Easter Hitler," 1945.

Soldiers posing in the fields with ammunition shells with the inscription reading "Happy Easter Hitler," 1945.

Photo: Herbert Orth, Time & Life Pictures/Getty Image

Soldiers posing in the fields with ammunition shells with the... Photo-5429798.52195 - seattlepi.com

Image 19 of 84

The cover of Life magazine features a photo of American pilot trainee Shirley Slade, in a flight suit and pigtails, as she sits on the wing of her Army trainer at Avanger Field, Sweetwater, Texas, July 19, 1943. less

The cover of Life magazine features a photo of American pilot trainee Shirley Slade, in a flight suit and pigtails, as she sits on the wing of her Army trainer at Avanger Field, Sweetwater, Texas, July 19, ... more

Photo: Peter Stackpole, Time & Life Pictures/Getty Image

The cover of Life magazine features a photo of American pilot... Photo-5429810.52195 - seattlepi.com

Image 20 of 84

A sailor on leave saying goodbye to his family as his leave comes to an end, 1942

A sailor on leave saying goodbye to his family as his leave comes to an end, 1942

Photo: J. R. Eyerman, Time & Life Pictures/Getty Image

A sailor on leave saying goodbye to his family as his leave comes... Photo-5429789.52195 - seattlepi.com

US troops disembarking from a landing craft to wade through surf towards beachhead in the days following the invasion of Normandy, 1944.

US troops disembarking from a landing craft to wade through surf towards beachhead in the days following the invasion of Normandy, 1944.

Photo: Time Life Pictures, Time & Life Pictures/Getty Image

US troops disembarking from a landing craft to wade through surf... Photo-5429800.52195 - seattlepi.com

Image 26 of 84

A U.S. Marine is seen as he chats with his scouting dog, at Guam, in August 1944, during World War II. The dogs were used to track down Japanese soldiers hidden in caves or jungle strongholds, and for running messages. less

A U.S. Marine is seen as he chats with his scouting dog, at Guam, in August 1944, during World War II. The dogs were used to track down Japanese soldiers hidden in caves or jungle strongholds, and for running ... more

Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS

A U.S. Marine is seen as he chats with his scouting dog, at Guam,... Photo-3714420.52195 - seattlepi.com

Image 27 of 84

African-American soldiers during World War II.

African-American soldiers during World War II.

Photo: David E. Scherman, Time & Life Pictures/Getty Image

African-American soldiers during World War II. Photo-5429788.52195 - seattlepi.com

Image 28 of 84

U.S. Marines of the 28th Regiment, 5th Division, raise the American flag atop Mt. Suribachi, Iwo Jima, on Feb. 23, 1945. Strategically located only 660 miles from Tokyo, the Pacific island became the site of one of the bloodiest, most famous battles of World War II against Japan. less

U.S. Marines of the 28th Regiment, 5th Division, raise the American flag atop Mt. Suribachi, Iwo Jima, on Feb. 23, 1945. Strategically located only 660 miles from Tokyo, the Pacific island became the site of ... more

U.S. troops in the Pacific islands continued to find enemy holdouts long after the main Japanese forces had either surrendered or disappeared. Guam was considered cleared by August 12, 1944, but parts of the island were still dangerous half a year later. Here, patrolling Marines pass a dead Japanese sniper. These Marines may belong to the Fifty-second Defense Battalion, one of two black units sent to the Pacific. less

U.S. troops in the Pacific islands continued to find enemy holdouts long after the main Japanese forces had either surrendered or disappeared. Guam was considered cleared by August 12, 1944, but parts of the ... more

Photo: CHARLES P. GORRY, ASSOCIATED PRESS

U.S. troops in the Pacific islands continued to find enemy holdouts... Photo-3714426.52195 - seattlepi.com

Image 33 of 84

U.S. troops display captured Japanese flags during World War II.

U.S. troops display captured Japanese flags during World War II.

Photo: AP

U.S. troops display captured Japanese flags during World War II. Photo-3714427.52195 - seattlepi.com

Image 34 of 84

Pfc. Paul Ison from the 6th Marine Division dashes forward through Japanese machine-gun fire while crossing a draw on Okinawa, May 10, 1945. After the Marines sustained more than 125 casualties in eight hours in the attempt to cross this draw, the men named the location "Death Valley." less

Pfc. Paul Ison from the 6th Marine Division dashes forward through Japanese machine-gun fire while crossing a draw on Okinawa, May 10, 1945. After the Marines sustained more than 125 casualties in eight hours ... more

A jubilant American sailor clutching a white-uniformed nurse in a back-bending, passionate kiss as he vents his joy while thousands jam Times Square to celebrate the long awaited-victory over Japan, 1945.

A jubilant American sailor clutching a white-uniformed nurse in a back-bending, passionate kiss as he vents his joy while thousands jam Times Square to celebrate the long awaited-victory over Japan, 1945.

Photo: Alfred Eisenstaedt, Time & Life Pictures/Getty Image

A jubilant American sailor clutching a white-uniformed nurse in a... Photo-5429812.52195 - seattlepi.com

Image 36 of 84

Two American soldiers line up a 3.5 rocket launcher bazooka along the battlefront somewhere in Korea, July 24, 1950.

Two American soldiers line up a 3.5 rocket launcher bazooka along the battlefront somewhere in Korea, July 24, 1950.

Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS

Two American soldiers line up a 3.5 rocket launcher bazooka along... Photo-3714429.52195 - seattlepi.com

Image 37 of 84

American soldier writing a letter home while sitting on a mound near his front line bunker on a battle free Sunday, 1951.

American soldier writing a letter home while sitting on a mound near his front line bunker on a battle free Sunday, 1951.

Photo: Joseph Scherschel, Time & Life Pictures/Getty Image

American soldier writing a letter home while sitting on a mound... Photo-5429806.52195 - seattlepi.com

Image 38 of 84

Grief-stricken American infantryman whose buddy has just been killed is comforted by a comrade while corpsman in background. methodically fills out casualty tags during a lull in the fighting somewhere near Haktong-ni, 1950. less

Grief-stricken American infantryman whose buddy has just been killed is comforted by a comrade while corpsman in background. methodically fills out casualty tags during a lull in the fighting somewhere near ... more

Two U.S. soldiers are on the alert as they take protection behind stone wall on Korean front near Choyang River in North Korea on June 3, 1951. Cpl. Richard G. Clark, foreground, of Westwood, New Jersey, wears helmet as Pfc. Joseph M. Nadorozny, of 973 east 13th St., Brooklyn, New York, puffs on cigarette. less

Two U.S. soldiers are on the alert as they take protection behind stone wall on Korean front near Choyang River in North Korea on June 3, 1951. Cpl. Richard G. Clark, foreground, of Westwood, New Jersey, wears ... more

Photo: E.N.Johnson, AP

Two U.S. soldiers are on the alert as they take protection behind... Photo-3714430.52195 - seattlepi.com

Image 41 of 84

An unidentified U.S. Army personnel wears a hand lettered "War Is Hell" slogan on his helmet, June 18, 1965, during the Vietnam War. He was with the 173rd Airborne Brigade Battalion on defense duty at Phouc Vinh airstrip in South Vietnam.

An unidentified U.S. Army personnel wears a hand lettered "War Is Hell" slogan on his helmet, June 18, 1965, during the Vietnam War. He was with the 173rd Airborne Brigade Battalion on defense duty at Phouc

An unidentified U.S. Army personnel wears a hand lettered... Photo-3714431.52195 - seattlepi.com

Image 42 of 84

SP5 Leon B. Talley, of Tacoma, Wash. keeps his carbine ready as his U.S. Army helicopter approach the rendezvous area of Ap My Qui, South Viet Nam for cleanup operation a against Communist led Viet Cong forces in that Mekong River delta battle zone on April 29, 1962. The U.S. helicopter carried South Viet Nam soldiers for the task of flushing out the Viet Cong. less

SP5 Leon B. Talley, of Tacoma, Wash. keeps his carbine ready as his U.S. Army helicopter approach the rendezvous area of Ap My Qui, South Viet Nam for cleanup operation a against Communist led Viet Cong forces ... more

2nd Lt. R. C. "Rick" Rescorla moves carefully with fixed bayonet through the underbrush in an attack of North Vietnamese sniper pockets outside the American perimeter in the Ia Drang Valley on Nov. 16, 1965 during the Vietnam War. The soldier is a member of one of the hardest hit companies of the 1st Cavalry Division units.

Rescorla, was born in Britain and served in the military there and on the Metropolitan police force before moving to New York and joining the U.S. Army. He was killed in the South Tower of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.

2nd Lt. R. C. "Rick" Rescorla moves carefully with fixed bayonet through the underbrush in an attack of North Vietnamese sniper pockets outside the American perimeter in the Ia Drang Valley on Nov. 16, 1965 ... more

Spec. 4 James D. McClafferty of Philadelphia and Pfc. Ted Talley of Marked Tree, Ark., man a machine gun in the ruins of a house near Rach Kien, 22 miles southwest of Saigon, Jan. 2, 1966. Their company, operating in the delta province of Long An, came under fire when they approached a farmhouse at the edge of an abandoned town. less

Spec. 4 James D. McClafferty of Philadelphia and Pfc. Ted Talley of Marked Tree, Ark., man a machine gun in the ruins of a house near Rach Kien, 22 miles southwest of Saigon, Jan. 2, 1966. Their company, ... more

Three U.S. Army nurses serving at a field hospital at Nha Trang, north of the U.S. naval base at Cam Ranh Bay, are seen on July 15, 1965. One of them holds the little dog that Capt. Gladys E. Sepulveda, rear center, found at the beach two days ago after coming ashore from her transport ship. less

Three U.S. Army nurses serving at a field hospital at Nha Trang, north of the U.S. naval base at Cam Ranh Bay, are seen on July 15, 1965. One of them holds the little dog that Capt. Gladys E. Sepulveda, rear ... more

Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS

Three U.S. Army nurses serving at a field hospital at Nha Trang,... Photo-3714435.52195 - seattlepi.com

Image 46 of 84

SP4 Nelson A. Parker uses field phone to call for air power as Vietnamese patrol is surrounded by Communist Viet Cong in jungle 20 miles north of Saigon in Vietnam on Feb. 15, 1965. Beside him is Sgt. Lloyd E. Rath. Both were U.S. advisers with the patrol. Eighteen Red guerrillas were killed in the battle. Parker’s parents live in Paul Smiths, New York. Rath’s wife lives in Ephrata, Pa.; his mother in Jamestown, North Dakota.

SP4 Nelson A. Parker uses field phone to call for air power as Vietnamese patrol is surrounded by Communist Viet Cong in jungle 20 miles north of Saigon in Vietnam on Feb. 15, 1965. Beside him is Sgt. Lloyd E.

SP4 Nelson A. Parker uses field phone to call for air power as... Photo-3714436.52195 - seattlepi.com

Image 47 of 84

Paratroopers of the U.S. 173rd Airborne Brigade man a machine gun position after they advance into a rubber plantation near Bien Hoa air base, 12 miles northeast of Saigon in Vietnam on May 10, 1965. The plantation area had been frequency used by Viet Congs for ambush. less

Paratroopers of the U.S. 173rd Airborne Brigade man a machine gun position after they advance into a rubber plantation near Bien Hoa air base, 12 miles northeast of Saigon in Vietnam on May 10, 1965. The ... more

Commanders of two U.S. Marine companies who had been surrounded for two days by the North Vietnamese 324 Division eight miles south of the demilitarized zone, pause for a cigarette after other American units came to their aid, Sept. 20, 1966. They are 1st Lt. Daniel McMahon , left, of Oceanside, N.Y., who leads Delta Co., and Capt. Ronald Frederickson, South Sioux City, Neb, commander of Bravo Co. Sept. 20, 1966. less

Commanders of two U.S. Marine companies who had been surrounded for two days by the North Vietnamese 324 Division eight miles south of the demilitarized zone, pause for a cigarette after other American units ... more

Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS

Commanders of two U.S. Marine companies who had been surrounded for... Photo-3714438.52195 - seattlepi.com

Image 50 of 84

Two American paratroopers keep a sharp eye out for guerrillas and snipers as they patrol the jungle in D zone, some 20 miles northeast of Bien Hoa, Vietnam on May 31, 1965. They are members of an artillery battery and a battalion of paratroopers from the U.S. 173rd Airborne Brigade which were lifted by helicopter in the zone along a stronghold of the Viet Cong. less

Two American paratroopers keep a sharp eye out for guerrillas and snipers as they patrol the jungle in D zone, some 20 miles northeast of Bien Hoa, Vietnam on May 31, 1965. They are members of an artillery ... more

Photo: Horst Faas, AP

Two American paratroopers keep a sharp eye out for guerrillas and... Photo-3714439.52195 - seattlepi.com

Image 51 of 84

Released prisoner of war Lt. Col. Robert L. Stirm is greeted by his family at Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield, Calif., as he returns home from the Vietnam War, March 17, 1973. In the lead is Stirm's daughter Lori, 15; followed by son Robert, 14; daughter Cynthia, 11; wife Loretta and son Roger, 12.

Released prisoner of war Lt. Col. Robert L. Stirm is greeted by his family at Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield, Calif., as he returns home from the Vietnam War, March 17, 1973. In the lead is Stirm's

Released prisoner of war Lt. Col. Robert L. Stirm is greeted by... Photo-3714440.52195 - seattlepi.com

Image 52 of 84

Bundled against the chill a U.S. Marine reports to his headquarters on a radiotelephone during operation Kentucky near the demilitarized zone in South Vietnam on Dec. 11, 1967. Monsoon rains and temperatures that drop into the 40s and 50s at night make life miserable for the U.S. soldiers in the Northern provinces. less

Bundled against the chill a U.S. Marine reports to his headquarters on a radiotelephone during operation Kentucky near the demilitarized zone in South Vietnam on Dec. 11, 1967. Monsoon rains and temperatures ... more

Photo: Dag VAn Phuoc, AP

Bundled against the chill a U.S. Marine reports to his headquarters... Photo-3714441.52195 - seattlepi.com

Image 53 of 84

U.S. Sgt. Adolph J. Breecher of Saginaw, Michigan, fighting in the Vietnam War in 1966, is shown smoking a cigarette.

U.S. Sgt. Adolph J. Breecher of Saginaw, Michigan, fighting in the Vietnam War in 1966, is shown smoking a cigarette.

American soldiers are dropped off by U.S.Army helicopters to join South Vietnamese ground troops to advance in an attack on a Viet Cong camp 18 miles north of Tay Ninh, northwest of Saigon near the Cambodian border, in March 1965 during the Vietnam War. less

American soldiers are dropped off by U.S.Army helicopters to join South Vietnamese ground troops to advance in an attack on a Viet Cong camp 18 miles north of Tay Ninh, northwest of Saigon near the Cambodian ... more

Photo: HORST FAAS, AP

American soldiers are dropped off by U.S.Army helicopters to join... Photo-3714443.52195 - seattlepi.com

Image 55 of 84

U.S. soldier communicating during the Vietnam War in Saigon in an undated photo.

U.S. soldier communicating during the Vietnam War in Saigon in an undated photo.

Photo: Eddie Adams, AP

U.S. soldier communicating during the Vietnam War in Saigon in an... Photo-3714444.52195 - seattlepi.com

Image 56 of 84

An infantryman of the U.S. 25th Division rushes for cover as he comes under sniper fire near the village of Rach Kien, 20 miles southwest of Saigon in Vietnam's Mekong Delta, in 1967 during the Vietnam War.

An infantryman of the U.S. 25th Division rushes for cover as he comes under sniper fire near the village of Rach Kien, 20 miles southwest of Saigon in Vietnam's Mekong Delta, in 1967 during the Vietnam War.

Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS

An infantryman of the U.S. 25th Division rushes for cover as he... Photo-3714445.52195 - seattlepi.com

Image 57 of 84

Pfc. James F. Duro of Boston, Mass., a member of C Company, 173rd Airborne Brigade, lies exhausted on a canal dike in the swampland of the Mekong Delta near Bao Trai, about 20 miles west of Saigon, on Jan. 4, 1966. An hour Duro survived friendly fire from a misdirected artillery bombardment that, in addition to enemy fire, left fellow soldiers dead and wounded. less

Pfc. James F. Duro of Boston, Mass., a member of C Company, 173rd Airborne Brigade, lies exhausted on a canal dike in the swampland of the Mekong Delta near Bao Trai, about 20 miles west of Saigon, on Jan. 4, ... more

Photo: Horst Faas, AP

Pfc. James F. Duro of Boston, Mass., a member of C Company, 173rd... Photo-3714446.52195 - seattlepi.com

Image 58 of 84

U.S. soldier communicating during the Vietnam War in Saigon in an undated photo.

U.S. soldier communicating during the Vietnam War in Saigon in an undated photo.

Photo: Eddie Adams, AP

U.S. soldier communicating during the Vietnam War in Saigon in an... Photo-3714447.52195 - seattlepi.com

Image 59 of 84

The cover of Life magazine shows a pair of American soldiers as they carry a wounded comrade to safety, accompanied by the headline 'Deeper into the Vietnam War,' Vietnam, July 2, 1965.

The cover of Life magazine shows a pair of American soldiers as they carry a wounded comrade to safety, accompanied by the headline 'Deeper into the Vietnam War,' Vietnam, July 2, 1965.

Photo: Bill Eppridge, Time & Life Pictures/Getty Image

The cover of Life magazine shows a pair of American soldiers as... Photo-5429813.52195 - seattlepi.com

Image 60 of 84

Betty Jo Reed, shown during World War II, is among just 650 or so surviving members of the Women's Airforce Service Pilots Program. Four WASPs recently got together in Harbor Springs, Mich., for a reunion, recalling how they blazed trails across the sky. less

Betty Jo Reed, shown during World War II, is among just 650 or so surviving members of the Women's Airforce Service Pilots Program. Four WASPs recently got together in Harbor Springs, Mich., for a reunion, ... more

Photo: BETTY JO REED, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Betty Jo Reed, shown during World War II, is among just 650 or so... Photo-3714448.52195 - seattlepi.com

Image 61 of 84

Pfc. Eugene Cabbagestalk of Pittsburgh, Pa., pushes back his helmet to wipe the sweat from his face in South Vietnam, August 1966. Cabbagestalk was killed in Vietnam the following January.

Pfc. Eugene Cabbagestalk of Pittsburgh, Pa., pushes back his helmet to wipe the sweat from his face in South Vietnam, August 1966. Cabbagestalk was killed in Vietnam the following January.

A soldier of the 25th Infantry Division, coated with sweat and grime, patrols thick jungle near the Cambodian border, Nov. 26, 1966. B-52 air strikes had driven out enemy snipers that stalled the unit for three days.

A soldier of the 25th Infantry Division, coated with sweat and grime, patrols thick jungle near the Cambodian border, Nov. 26, 1966. B-52 air strikes had driven out enemy snipers that stalled the unit for three ... more

U.S. Staff Sgt. Vernon Larson of Downing, Wisc., shows a beard after nine days in the jungle without a razor, December 1965. His unit had expected to be in the field only two days, and he was traveling light; water had to be dropped into the steamy jungle, about 40 miles north of Saigon. less

U.S. Staff Sgt. Vernon Larson of Downing, Wisc., shows a beard after nine days in the jungle without a razor, December 1965. His unit had expected to be in the field only two days, and he was traveling light; ... more

After their unit landed in the middle of a Viet Cong staging area, medic Pfc. Andrew J. Brown of Chicago draws his pistol while protecting a wounded U.S. paratrooper from sniper fire in the jungle near Thuong Lang, about 10 miles northeast of Bien Hoa, June 24, 1965. Brown and another medic crawled through the jungle to treat the paratrooper while a live grenade lay nearby. less

After their unit landed in the middle of a Viet Cong staging area, medic Pfc. Andrew J. Brown of Chicago draws his pistol while protecting a wounded U.S. paratrooper from sniper fire in the jungle near Thuong ... more

Photo: AP

After their unit landed in the middle of a Viet Cong staging area,... Photo-3714536.52195 - seattlepi.com

Image 65 of 84

Capt. Donald R. Brown of Annapolis, Md., advisor to the 2nd Battalion of the 46th Vietnamese regiment, dashes from his helicopter to the cover of a rice paddy dike during an attack on Viet Cong in an area 15 miles west of Saigon on April 4, 1965 during the Vietnam War. Brown's counterpart, Capt. Di, commander of the unit, rushes away in background with his radioman. The Vietnamese suffered 12 casualties before the field was taken. less

Capt. Donald R. Brown of Annapolis, Md., advisor to the 2nd Battalion of the 46th Vietnamese regiment, dashes from his helicopter to the cover of a rice paddy dike during an attack on Viet Cong in an area 15 ... more

Resting his rifle on his steel helmet to relieve his weary arm, a South Vietnamese soldier plods through deep water of the Mekong River Delta on a mission to ferret out bands of Viet Cong in October 1964. The government troops were ferried into the region by helicopter, but failed to make contact with the enemy after wading through acres of water and mud. less

Resting his rifle on his steel helmet to relieve his weary arm, a South Vietnamese soldier plods through deep water of the Mekong River Delta on a mission to ferret out bands of Viet Cong in October 1964. The ... more

Photo: AP

Resting his rifle on his steel helmet to relieve his weary arm, a... Photo-3714533.52195 - seattlepi.com

Image 67 of 84

The sun breaks through the dense jungle foliage around the embattled town of Binh Gia, 40 miles east of Saigon, in early January 1965, as South Vietnamese troops, apparently joined by U.S. advisers, rest after a cold, damp and tense night of waiting in an ambush position for a Viet Cong attack that didn't come. One hour later, as the possibility of an overnight attack by the Viet Cong disappeared, the troops moved out for another long, hot day hunting the elusive communist guerrillas in the jungles. less

The sun breaks through the dense jungle foliage around the embattled town of Binh Gia, 40 miles east of Saigon, in early January 1965, as South Vietnamese troops, apparently joined by U.S. advisers, rest after ... more

Photo: AP

The sun breaks through the dense jungle foliage around the... Photo-3714532.52195 - seattlepi.com

Image 68 of 84

Wounded Marine Gunnery Sargeant Jeremiah Purdie (C) is led past stricken comrades after fierce firefight for control of Hill 484, south of DMZ in South Vietnam, 1966.

Wounded Marine Gunnery Sargeant Jeremiah Purdie (C) is led past stricken comrades after fierce firefight for control of Hill 484, south of DMZ in South Vietnam, 1966.

US Army Special Forces Capt. Vernon Gillespie contacting his base camp by radio while Vietnamese soldiers burn down a Vietcong hideout, 1964.

US Army Special Forces Capt. Vernon Gillespie contacting his base camp by radio while Vietnamese soldiers burn down a Vietcong hideout, 1964.

Photo: Larry Burrows, Time & Life Pictures/Getty Image

US Army Special Forces Capt. Vernon Gillespie contacting his base... Photo-5429802.52195 - seattlepi.com

Image 70 of 84

U.S. Marines of the 7th Fleet's special landing team, the 1st Battalion, 26th Marines, crouch on a dirt trail with a 3.5 inch rocket launcher about one mile (2000 meters) south of the demilitarized zone (DMZ) as they respond to sniper fire during Operation Prairie against the North Vietnamese 324B Division, September 1966. less

U.S. Marines of the 7th Fleet's special landing team, the 1st Battalion, 26th Marines, crouch on a dirt trail with a 3.5 inch rocket launcher about one mile (2000 meters) south of the demilitarized zone (DMZ) ... more

Photo: AP

U.S. Marines of the 7th Fleet's special landing team, the 1st... Photo-3714531.52195 - seattlepi.com

Image 71 of 84

Members of the U.S. Army 3rd Brigade 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) "The Rakkasans", scan the northwest perimeter of the American compound at Kandahar International Airport on Friday Jan. 18, 2002. U.S. soldiers replaced Marines in key defense posts at the base Friday. less

Members of the U.S. Army 3rd Brigade 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) "The Rakkasans", scan the northwest perimeter of the American compound at Kandahar International Airport on Friday Jan. 18, 2002. U.S. ... more

Photo: MARCO DI LAURO, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Members of the U.S. Army 3rd Brigade 101st Airborne Division (Air... Photo-3714451.52195 - seattlepi.com

Image 72 of 84

A U.S. Marine Harrier ground crew member, who would not be identified, shoots a souvenir picture as his Harrier squadron prepares to leave Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, Friday, March 15, 1991, for their return to the Cherry Point, N.C., Marine Air Station. less

A U.S. Marine Harrier ground crew member, who would not be identified, shoots a souvenir picture as his Harrier squadron prepares to leave Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, Friday, March 15, 1991, for their return to the ... more

Photo: Bob Jordan, ASSOCIATED PRESS

A U.S. Marine Harrier ground crew member, who would not be... Photo-3714452.52195 - seattlepi.com

Image 73 of 84

U.S. soldier rests while on guard at a relay station in the Saudi Arabian dessert during operation Desert Shield, November 9, 1990.

U.S. soldier rests while on guard at a relay station in the Saudi Arabian dessert during operation Desert Shield, November 9, 1990.

Photo: DIETER ENDLICHER, AP

U.S. soldier rests while on guard at a relay station in the Saudi... Photo-3714453.52195 - seattlepi.com

Image 74 of 84

U.S. Army Sgt. John Cobb of Newport Beach, Calif., keeps his dog, J.C., warm inside his coat while waiting for the arrival of the U.S. command ship, the U.S.S. LaSalle, in Kuwait City on Tuesday, March 12, 1991. less

U.S. Army Sgt. John Cobb of Newport Beach, Calif., keeps his dog, J.C., warm inside his coat while waiting for the arrival of the U.S. command ship, the U.S.S. LaSalle, in Kuwait City on Tuesday, March 12, ... more

Photo: Greg Gibson, ASSOCIATED PRESS

U.S. Army Sgt. John Cobb of Newport Beach, Calif., keeps his dog,... Photo-3714454.52195 - seattlepi.com

Sgt. Dave Carbary, 24, center, of Sterling Heights, Mich., with the U.S. Army's 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division out of Fort Campbell, Ky., waits with fellow soldiers to have his luggage checked by U.S. Customs at the Transit Center in Manas, Kyrgyzstan, while continuing home after leaving Afghanistan upon completing a deployment, Monday, Aug. 8, 2011. less

Sgt. Dave Carbary, 24, center, of Sterling Heights, Mich., with the U.S. Army's 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division out of Fort Campbell, Ky., waits with fellow soldiers to have his luggage checked ... more

An Iraqi boy watches as a U.S. army soldier from B Company, 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment lights up a cigarette as members of his unit take a rest after a foot patrol in Baghdad's Shiite enclave of Sadr City, Iraq, Saturday, March 17, 2007. less

An Iraqi boy watches as a U.S. army soldier from B Company, 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment lights up a cigarette as members of his unit take a rest after a foot patrol in Baghdad's Shiite enclave of Sadr ... more

Photo: MARKO DROBNJAKOVIC, ASSOCIATED PRESS

An Iraqi boy watches as a U.S. army soldier from B Company, 1st... Photo-3714457.52195 - seattlepi.com

Image 78 of 84

US soldiers read verses as they celebrate Easter with a sunrise service at Camp Victory, in Baghdad, Iraq, Sunday, March 23, 2008.

US soldiers read verses as they celebrate Easter with a sunrise service at Camp Victory, in Baghdad, Iraq, Sunday, March 23, 2008.

Photo: DUSAN VRANIC, ASSOCIATED PRESS

US soldiers read verses as they celebrate Easter with a sunrise... Photo-3714458.52195 - seattlepi.com

Image 79 of 84

U.S. Marines play football in Karabilah, an Iraqi town near the Syrian border, Thursday, Nov. 24, 2005.

U.S. Marines play football in Karabilah, an Iraqi town near the Syrian border, Thursday, Nov. 24, 2005.

Photo: JACOB SILBERBERG, ASSOCIATED PRESS

U.S. Marines play football in Karabilah, an Iraqi town near the... Photo-3714459.52195 - seattlepi.com

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A string of bullets hangs on the neck of US Army soldier PFC Jean-Paul Desculline , of Miami, Florida, from 1-320th Alpha Battery, 2nd Brigade of the 101st Airborne Division, at COP Nolen, in the volatile Arghandab Valley, Kandahar, Afghanistan, Sunday, July 25, 2010. less

A string of bullets hangs on the neck of US Army soldier PFC Jean-Paul Desculline , of Miami, Florida, from 1-320th Alpha Battery, 2nd Brigade of the 101st Airborne Division, at COP Nolen, in the volatile ... more

Photo: Rodrigo Abd, ASSOCIATED PRESS

A string of bullets hangs on the neck of US Army soldier PFC... Photo-3714460.52195 - seattlepi.com

Spc. John Lundy, right, and Spc. Matthew Sturgill, obscured, leap into the arms of PFC Devin Horton, left, Friday, Dec. 23, 2011, at Camp Atterbury in Edinburgh, Ind., as 109 members of the 1st Battalion, 149th Infantry, National Army Guard, prepare to board a bus home to Kentucky and join their families for the holidays. less

Spc. John Lundy, right, and Spc. Matthew Sturgill, obscured, leap into the arms of PFC Devin Horton, left, Friday, Dec. 23, 2011, at Camp Atterbury in Edinburgh, Ind., as 109 members of the 1st Battalion, 149th ... more

Two US soldiers of Charlie Company, 1st Platoon, 1-15 Infantry, 3rd Brigade Combat team, 3rd Infantry Division, patrol at Salman Pak city about 30 miles (45 kilometers), south of Baghdad, Iraq, on Monday, March 3, 2008. less

Two US soldiers of Charlie Company, 1st Platoon, 1-15 Infantry, 3rd Brigade Combat team, 3rd Infantry Division, patrol at Salman Pak city about 30 miles (45 kilometers), south of Baghdad, Iraq, on Monday, ... more